Experts are stressing radiology preparedness for COVID-19. Radiology preparedness during the COVID-19 public health crisis requires radiology department policies and procedures designed to have enough capacity for continued operation during a health care emergency of unprecedented proportions and to support the care of patients with COVID-19, while maintaining radiology support for the entirety of the hospital and health system.1 Because of this, the importance of teleradiology has emerged.

Teleradiology involves scans from one location being read by a specialist in another. This is especially important right now as doctors can’t always be present due to lockdowns or self-isolation. In the midst of this global pandemic, medical staff can be overworked and in short supply. The sharing of information, and the ability to call upon a radiologist in a different location, can be a major lifesaving benefit.

Potential Challenges of Teleradiology: Displays

The American College of Radiology (ACR) and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) developed the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM®) international standard for the communication and management of medical imaging information and related data. They included a complete section (Part 14) relating pixel values to displayed luminance levels and defining a grayscale standard display function (GSDF) to help achieve accuracy and consistency.2 Displays that are not designed specifically for medical use can face various challenges in teleradiology:

Image Accuracy Issues – Consumer-grade displays, for example, may not meet the clinical standards needed for viewing subtle differences in contrast, color and brightness. Diagnoses are made by looking at monitors, so even small differences and defects in image quality must be avoided to reduce miscommunication among staff.

Difficulty with Maintenance – In hospitals, monitors are calibrated by specialist companies that frequently visit to take measurements and make technical adjustments. It’s a demanding task that would be difficult without the help of experts and specialized equipment.

Undeveloped Working Environment – During this unprecedented time, many medical professionals are working long hours at home. But when ergonomic working conditions are lacking, repetitive behavior can lead to chronic pain and eye fatigue, and also reduced work efficiency.

Medical-Grade Displays Are the Solution

Excellent Image Quality for Reliable Reading – FDA-approved medical-grade displays, such as those from LG, comply with DICOM Part 14 for optimal grayscale images and also support a wide color gamut. This ensures reliability and consistency in the reading of X-ray, MRI, and CT scans. What’s more, LG’s IPS panel also provides stable contrast, color and clarity at virtually any viewing angle.

Easy Maintenance – LG medical displays measure the backlight brightness stability and compensate for brightness fluctuations caused by product aging, for consistently stable images over time. Monitors can be calibrated and maintained with software. And the 21HK512D model, for example, has a built-in front sensor for auto calibration.

Comfortable Workstation – The LG Diagnostic Monitor has an auto luminance

sensor that detects ambient light and optimizes brightness. The ergonomic design helps the user work in a comfortable position for long hours at home.

Learn more about LG medical-grade monitors. Discover the LG Medical Monitors Digital Experience 2020 today.

1. https://www.rsna.org/en/news/2020/March/Radiology-Preparedness-COVID-19

2. https://www.itnonline.com/article/medical-displays-crucial-accurate-diagnoses